California lesson 3 of 6
File the Articles of Organization
This is the filing that actually creates your LLC. In California it is Form LLC-1, the Articles of Organization, filed through the bizfileOnline portal for a $70 state fee.
What Form LLC-1 asks for
The form is short. You give the LLC name, a business street address and mailing address, the agent for service of process, and whether the LLC is managed by all of its members or by one or more managers. Members are not listed in the Articles, so ownership does not become public through this filing.
- Member managed means every owner can bind the business
- Manager managed means only the named managers can, which suits passive investors
- The purpose statement is set by statute, so there is nothing to draft
Fees and how fast it comes back
The state fee is $70. Standard online processing times move with the Secretary of State's queue, so check the current turnaround on the official processing times page rather than trusting a number you read elsewhere. If you need certainty, California sells guaranteed expedite tiers: 24 hour service for an extra $350 and same day service for an extra $750, on top of the filing fee.
Expedite fees are paid to the state, not to a filing company. Buy them only if a bank appointment or a contract deadline genuinely depends on the date.
Right after the filing is approved
Two clocks start. Your first Statement of Information is due within 90 days of formation, and your first $800 annual tax payment to the Franchise Tax Board is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after you formed. Diary both immediately.
Key takeaways
- Form LLC-1 costs $70 and is filed through bizfileOnline.
- Expedite is $350 for 24 hours or $750 for same day, paid to the state.
- Formation starts the 90 day Statement of Information clock and the $800 tax clock.
Frequently asked questions
Does California list LLC members publicly?
Not in the Articles of Organization. Managers or members are disclosed later on the Statement of Information, which is a public record.
Can a non-US resident form a California LLC?
Yes. There is no citizenship or residency requirement for members. Your agent for service of process, however, must be in California.
Official sources
Or let us file your California LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team